Darlington have made a bright start to the season - but today suffered that sinking feeling.

Torrential rain left the training ground at Durham under water, and the club was struggling to find a suitable surface.

It's the sort of problem that has been experienced in the dead of winter, but never before in August.

Manager David Hodgson was wanting a good surface to iron out one or two tactical issues ahead of Saturday's trip to Kidderminster.

Darlington followed up last Saturday's win over Grimsby with a good draw at Yeovil in midweek.

But Hodgson feels there is still room for improvement, and wants his side to be tighter at the back, and more creative in attack.

"We're getting there," he said. "But there is still room for improvement.

"We played better at Yeovil than we did against Grimsby. Our shape and understanding showed an improvement, and we looked a bit sharper.

"I was pleased with the way we coped at Yeovil, because last season they were the best team we faced, and are this season among the favourites for the title according to the bookmakers.

"They are a good passing side, but we didn't give them time on the ball. Neil Wainwright, Clark Keltie and Steve Thomas all tracked back well, but at the same time we managed to create chances."

Hodgson wants to bring in a striker as soon as possible, but will ensure he gets the right man.

A further check was last night made on West Ham youngster Greg Pearson.

Hammers beat a strong Crystal Palace side 1-0, and while Pearson didn't score, he had his moments, including seeing a shot cleared off the line.

Quakers are hoping to sign giant Canadian striker Bon Friend when he recovers from injury and becomes available after a spell in Scandanavian football, but other clubs are understood to be monitoring him.

But as long as his team get good results, it takes some pressure off the manager to pep up the attack with new blood, though he won't relax his search.